Mr. B. I am even told that the climate of Rome is much colder than that of Nice in the winter.
Dr. A. You have been rightly informed; in addition to which, the streets are damp and chilly, and so variable in temperature, that there is not unfrequently a difference of twenty degrees between one street and another.
Mr. B. In what then does its excellence consist?
Dr. A. It is decidedly the best spring residence in Italy. The air is much more moist than that of Nice; and, at this season, it has the advantage of being less liable to cold winds; although it must be confessed that the Tramontana (a sharp northerly wind,) is sometimes felt with considerable severity, but it does not affect the human body like the dry cold winds of Provence.
Mr. B. The prejudice which exists in my mind against Rome has arisen from the circumstance of many of my friends having suffered severely from head-ache, during their residence there.
Dr. A. Upon that point, I fear my opinion will rather strengthen than remove your prejudice. I have no hesitation in stating, that the same complaint has been frequently made to me; and even Dr. Clark, the English resident physician, confirms the objection.[141]
Mr. B. And then come the frightful Malaria.
Dr. A. The stranger has nothing to fear from these exhalations between October and the middle of May, after which period I should not recommend any invalid to protract his visit.
Mr. B. But suppose his object is to remain two winters at Rome,—where is he to find refuge during these intervals?